Wokingham Solar Farm Plans Spark Archaeology Concerns

Wokingham's council-backed Barkham solar farm, paused earlier this year, could still begin limited generation in 2027 with a full grid connection by 2029.

Councillors met on July 3 and stressed they remain committed. Cllr Lou Timlin said: "We believe it's still got a very solid business case behind it."

"People have been wondering what's been going on with the various negotiations since the budget was paused earlier this year."

"It's really important for us to be thinking about the importance that this makes to our climate emergency action plan."

For the Conservatives the numbers matter. Cllr Peter Harper (Con) said: "The risk to the council is not £200,000.  The risk to the council is £20m."

"That's what we need to think about – and whether it's money well spent."

The scheme would sit on council-owned farmland around St James' Church, near a historic moated site and cottages. It's expected to power about 9,400 homes and produce at least £1 million a year in surplus over a proposed 40-year life.

The project was paused after the National Energy System Operator classed it as less strategic, delaying its national need until after 2030. But officers say the council can still make it work and the cabinet will decide on July 30.

If approved, construction and an initial low-capacity grid connection could start in September 2027, allowing early energisation while full capacity is phased in by 2029. Because of network limits the site would run on a non-firm connection at first, with expected curtailment of just 0.04%-0.06%.

Officers warn delaying the decision could push costs up and move the start to 2028. Opposing that are concerns for buried archaeology: fieldwalking has found brick, tile and ceramic fragments, including peg tiles from the Norman period to around 1400, and Church Cottages stand on a scheduled 14th-century moated manor site.

The executive's decision later this month will weigh renewable energy, financial return and heritage protection.

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter